STATEMENT ON THE FIELDFARE CHALLENGE FROM THE FIELDFARE TRUST BOARD OF TRUSTEES

“Nearly 30 years have passed since the first Challenge was established, and every year we have tried to put forward a great event for all who take part. At this moment in time, the Board of Trustees feels that Fieldfare is not in a stable enough financial position to commit to the Challenge heats in the short term as this may compromise the long term future of the organisation.

We remain optimistic that following evaluation on how we can move Fieldfare and the Challenge forward in these challenging times for all charities,we will be able to deliver a Fieldfare Challenge 2014 in some form. We would ask you for your help and co-operation during this time of transition, and would appreciate all possible support that you may be able to give the Fieldfare Trust. In addition, we would like to thank everyone who has already pledged offers of help and support and we shall be in contact with you all in the very near future once a way forward has been determined.

The Fieldfare Trust has been managing the Fieldfare Challenge for over 27 years. The main objectives of the Fieldfare Trust are to encourage, promote and facilitate greater understanding, enjoyment and integration in the countryside of those that are disabled or disadvantages in the pursuit of countryside recreation or environmental education opportunities, the Fieldfare Challenge meets all those objectives.

What is the Fieldfare Challenge?

It’s an inclusive national outdoor adventure competition which has been running for over 27 years. It involves outdoor problem solving activities that test the skills of a team to work together, communicate, plan and evaluate. Most importantly, the Challenge is fully inclusive and open to all young people.

The activities challenge teams of eight 13 to 16 year olds, four with and four without disabilities (*4+4). All team members can play an active role in solving the challenges and the inclusion of all is a key goal for each team.

There are opportunities for teams from individual or paired schools, scouts, guides and other youth groups. Initially, Challenge Gateway activities take place in or close to the team’s school or base.
Regional heats, in April and May, use nearby country parks as the competition venue and the finals, in September, provide a two day residential adventure in an outdoor adventure centre.

Schools, groups and teams can benefit educationally and socially.
The Challenge helps schools and staff achieve their goals and has already been built into the curriculum by many.

The Challenge is free to enter. It is managed by the Fieldfare Trust and it is supported by trained, enthusiastic volunteers . We are available to help you enter, enjoy and benefit from the Challenge in whatever way you can.

You can view a short film about the Fieldfare Challenge, and see for yourself the enjoyment and satisfaction that the Challenge brings to all those that participate. Clickhereto view film

The Challenge Gateway

All teams will benefit by entering through the Challenge Gateway; to open it, just complete the online form. Please note information on the 2014 Fieldfare Challenge will appear here shortly.

Once we have received your entry form, we will send you an Fieldfare Challenge Activity Pack that will let you get started straight away and, help you to make the most of the opportunities available.

The pack will include:

Fieldfare Challenge 2014;

Challenge timetable;

Challenge Gateway activities

Competition entry and structure

How to contact us.

Regional heat places will be allocated once teams have passed through the Challenge Gateway. In areas with high team numbers seeking heat places, a selection process will be introduced to allocate heat places

“The Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for able bodied and disabled students to work together in a fully inclusive, challenging and rewarding way” Ian Thompson, PE Co-ordinator,Penn Hall School “The benefit to everyone involved is so positive. This event is probably one of the fastest learning curves able-bodied children can have”
Barbara Pounder, School Sport Co-ordinator, St Mary’s RC Comprehensive

“This has been a wonderful weekend where I have really enjoyed watching my students blossom. Thank you for creating such a safe, friendly and inspiring atmosphere”
Rob Belbin, PE Teacher,
Victoria Education Centre

Supporters can now also donate to the Challenge via text – just Text FARE27 £ xx (however much you would like to donate) to 70070 to donate to The Fieldfare Trust Ltd and help sustain this fantastic event. JustTextGiving by Vodafone

You can now support the Fieldfare Trust whilst you shop!
There is no additional expenses to supporters – the retailer pays a percentage of the amount spent to Fieldfare.
To sign up and support us is easy as pie – just register at http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes